compensatory damages

noun

: money awarded to a victim to make up for an injury, damage, etc.

The patient sued for compensatory damages.

Examples of compensatory damages in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As part of the agreement, Battelle has a three-year requirement to provide back pay and compensatory damages to the affected individuals. — Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 21 July 2026

Swinehart’s lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages, although no amount is specified. — Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Jason’s father and Jenny Nguyen, the co-administrators of Jason’s estate, are now suing Qatar Airways and MedAire seeking compensatory damages for the teen’s death. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

The only remaining litigation revolved around her motion to be rewarded all compensatory damages provided under a California law that aims to protect those who file harassment complaints from retaliatory defamation suits. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 14 July 2026

Legal Definition

compensatory damages

noun

: actual damages at damage 2